Since this is the optimism thread, I think that we are actually in a better position after this year’s loss to Maryland than last year’s (cue internal screaming).
Aside from our DBs running into each other and dropping INTs, I think a big part of what let them score 24 points in the first 1.5 quearters was the decision to play Roach at MLB. He’s a great player but was completely out of position. Canada realized it and ran jet sweeps and quick passes to exploit it. I realize we were in a tough spot with the Wheeler, and later Johnson, suspsensions but I’m disappointed that we put ourselves in that position. After we pulled shifted to McCulloch / Wheeler at LB with Foster at joker in the 2nd half, we gave up only 10 points. Eliminate the whiff plays from the DBs and I think the defense could be pretty good.
OL played much better than what we have seen over the past 5+ years. There is actual talent at the RB position. However, this is completely negated when we decide to play Kyle Porter. WR showed big play ability and for the most part we left our best players on the field (novel concept, I know). Ehlinger played OK until the 4Q when he started forcing things.
Brandon Jones did a great job returning punts. Dicker seems like a huge upgrade over Rowland. The New Punter didn’t drop any snaps.
Bottom line:
Defense will be fine once we settle into better personnel groupings.
Offense could be fine if we 1) commit to putting the best players on the field and keeping them there and 2) institute some sort of coherent play calling philosophy.